A new car is a significant upfront investment in something that rapidly loses values. The reality is that pre-owned vans and previously used cars offer great value. The minute it leaves the dealership, a new car depreciates in value by as much as 20% and drops off another 10% in the first year, meaning a loss of value of as much as 30% in the first year of ownership.

Most cars on the road are at least 11 years old. In 2015, $33,560 was the estimated average transaction price of a new car or truck sold in the U.S, while pre-owned cars sold for about $16,800 in 2014. Reliable used cars, vans and trucks can cost less th